Pioneer Softball Drops Pair

Columbia, S.C. – The Spartanburg Methodist College softball team dropped a pair of decisions, 5-1 to Rio Grande and 4-2 to Point on Saturday afternoon.

In the first game on Saturday, Rio Grande scored twice in the first and fifth inning en route to a 5-1 win over the Pioneers. SMC was limited to just two hits in the loss including a RBI single by Stump-Frias in the bottom of sixth.

For the Storm, Kayla Sedgwick and Gabby Adams had two hits apiece in the win. Rio Grande starting pitcher Madi Ogden struck out 15 on her way, allowing just one unearned run.  

In the second game of the day, Point scored three runs to rally for a 4-2 win over the Pioneers. For the second-straight game, SMC was held to just two hits. Carson McCowan and Stump-Frias had a hit in the loss.

A sacrifice fly by Alex Stuckey in the second plated the first run of the contest for the Pioneers. The Skyhawks scored an unearned run in the fourth to tie it. Then, SMC regained the lead as they took advantage of an error by Point on its way to a 2-1 lead. The Skyhawks scored twice in the fifth both coming on sacrifice flies to regain the lead and picked up an insurance run in the fifth.

With the bases loaded, Stuckey brought in Adriana Stump-Frias, who led off the inning with a single to left field. Later in the inning, SMC stranded the bases loaded.

In the fourth, Gracie Starnes reached on an error with one out. Then, she stole second to move into scoring position. Next, Maddie Handy brought in Starnes from second on a ball that was misplayed by the Point right fielder.

Three runs on three hits in the bottom of the fifth propelled Point to the win.

Next, SMC, who is now 4-4 on the season, will face Carolina University in Winston Salem on Wednesday for a doubleheader at 1 p.m.